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WORSHIP NEWS

Celebrate the Retirement of Pastors Mary Ann & Mark

"Dessert First"

Retirement Gathering

Sunday April 10th, 2016

12:00 - 1:30p.m.

Immanuel Lutheran Church - Fellowship Hall

700 N. Bloomfield Road

Lake Geneva

"All are Welcome"

Retirement Open House

Sunday April 10th 2016

2:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.

Horticultural Hall

330 Broad Street

Lake Geneva

Pastors' Farewell

It's hard to imagine that our final Sunday with you, April 10, is just around the corner!How very quickly our 21 years together as the Body of Christ at Immanuel have flown by.

As we reflect on those years, the following words of St.Paul to the church in Corinth come to mind:

"Each of us did the work the Lord gave us.My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow.

The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow.

The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose.We work together as partners who belong to God.You are God's field, God's building - not ours.For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have - Jesus Christ."1 Cor. 3:5-9, 11

We have no doubt that God will continue to build up our Immanuel faith community on the solid rock of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ!Immanuel will thrive, by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in and through each one of you!

God has done far more than we could ever have asked or imagined in these 21 years.All praise and honor to our loving Savior, whose grace has saved us, whose compassion has strengthened us, and whose power commissions us to "Go make disciples of all nations. . ."

It has been our joy to share in thatGreat Commission with all of you in these years of serving as your pastors.We thank God for you, and forthe privilege of having served as your pastors.

Loads of love - Pastors Mary Ann and Mark

Pastoral Transition

During the two week transition from April 15 - 30, Immanuel will be well served by our dear friend Pastor Carl Johnson.

Pastor Carl will preach and lead worship on both April 17 and 24. He has preached on a number of occasions at Immanuel, and knows many of you. Carl brings the breadth of having served in local congregations, and on the national staff of the ELCA.

Pastor Carl will also be present on Mondays and Wednesdays, April 18 & 20, 25 & 27. He will assist with worship planning, hospital calls, emergencies, and other pastoral support needs.

Pastor Carl and his wife Donna live in Kenosha. He can be reached through the church office, 262 248-4211, or on his cell phone, 847-946-2206. We are so grateful that Carl is willing to provide pastoral care and leadership during the two weeks before our full time interims arrive.

Call Process

The Church Council and Immanuel Staff met with Pastor Steve Kottke, Assistant to the Bishop of the South Central Synod of Wisconsin, on March 29. Pastor Steve explained the call process to our leaders. They will prepare a letter to send to each household detailing the steps and timeline of the Call Process. If you have questions, feel free to call any member of the church council.

Interim Pastors

Pastor Kottke from Synod Staff indicated that their plan is to provide two interim pastors for Immanuel. We will send a letter to each household with further details as soon as the Bishop lets us know their names.

2016 Strategic Plan

Immanuel's Church Council and Staff had a superb Strategic Planning Retreat for 2016 on February 27. Many fantastic ideas were surfaced. After significant, engaging conversation, the following 6 Strategic Directions were chosen:

Expand our use of social media, using video and other available technologies. Leadership Team: Doug Bartz, John Ivan and Zach Ortiz.

Develop Care Teams to provide additional support and care to members: i.e., visiting the homebound, those in nursing homes, and the hospitalized; sharing the sacrament of holy communion with them; and providing support for their families. Leadership Team:Susan Hughes, Vickie Dodge, Steve Guy, Kristen Larkin.

First meetingfor those who are interested in joining the team isTuesday, April 12 at 7:00 PM at church.

Develop Sponsors for new members of the church. Leadership Team: Evie Schulz, Phil and Donna Neimeyer, Dan and Edith Draper, Frank and Merle Peiler.

Develop an Outreach Plan with the Hispanic Community: i.e., a worship service in Spanish; special events for area families. Leadership Team: Matt Dahlgrenand Lynsey Fleck.

Singles Group. There has been one meeting of interested participants, with 12 in attendance. Check "Singles Grouop Upcoming Events" in newsletter for more information. LeadershipCoordinator:Sue Gifford, 262 812-7346.

Good Samaritan Team: To provide assistance to individuals/families needing mechanical help with a car, repairs on a home, etc. Leadership Team: John Hughes, Kurt Dodge,Rich McWherter.

If you are interested in any of those teams, feel free to call anyone on the leadership team. Watch for dates for upcoming meetings to launch each group. We are very excited to build these new teams, and to engage interested members in them!

Information Sharing

The following information will be available on the card table in the office: New Church Directories; Minutes of Council Meetings; Monthly Financial Statements. Ask Brenda for extra copies if what you are looking for is not there.

Bells of Immanuel: Rehearse Sundays, 9:15-10:15 AM

Rehearsals are Sundays in the music room downstairs from 9:15AM-10:15AM. No musical training is necessary! Director Ellen Hanson leads the group-and will train you and highlight your music parts. Consider joining this ministry of 4 generations! Contact Ellen at ellen.hanson@aurora.org

Praise Team: Rehearses Wednesdays, 8:00 PM

Praise Team rehearses at 8:00PM on Wednesdays. Participants vibrantly lead contemporary worship songs each week at 9:45 & 11:07. The group also leads special services throughout the year. Attendance at rehearsals is required. Contact John Ivan at music@immanuellg.org if you are interested in participating.

Media Specialists

The media team utilizes modern technology during every worship service. We are so grateful for their incredible devotion and humble hearts. Positions include running the computer, managing the sound board, and operating live video. We are always inviting newcomers to learn the new system are welcome. Contact John Ivan at music@immanuellg.org if you are feeling techy.

Assistance with Parking on Sundays

Assistance with parking is available on Sunday mornings. Inquire at the Welcome Center if valet parking would help you, and we will add you to the schedule.

Welcome Center Volunteers

Do you like to meet people? We are looking for some fun people to be on the Welcoming Team. They set up coffee and water in the Welcome Center, greet and help connect visitors to members between services. Contact Edith Draper at 248-1861 with any questions.

Worship Schedule Sign-up

Sign-up to help lead worship on Immanuel's website: www.Immanuellakegeneva.orgClick on "Worship Sign Up" and choose the month and service you would like to help. The positions that need to be filled are highlighted in yellow. Click in the box or by the number, and type your name. When you exit, it automatically saves your name in that spot. Anyone who clicks on the link will see the updated version.

There is also a sign-up board in the Fellowship Hall to manually sign-up if you prefer to do it that way. Or email me dates, times and the position you would like to fill. Thank you, again, for your willingness to serve! You are a gift! Know you are loved! Evie Schulz, Ministry Coordinator ministry_coord@immanuellg.org

Coffee Hour

Beverages are available following the first service at the Welcome Center Counter in the Gathering Space. Help yourself to information about Immanuel on the counter.

Our Coffee Hour follows the first service in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for treats, beverages, and conversation. It's a great way to meet new friends, and to share in fellowship with others. All are welcome!! Many thanks to those who help serve for these two ministries. If you're interested in helping, we need you!! Sign up on the Worship Card. Thanks!

Parking on Sundays and Special Services

Able bodied members are encouraged to park in the outer parking stalls or the Middle School Lot when they can, so visitors and seniors can be closer to the entrances. Many Thanks! It's a wonderful challenge to be short on parking spaces! Praise God, who gives the growth!!

THE 3RD SECTION OF OUR ALL CHURCH SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY: "BELIEVE" is under way. Even if you missed the first 2 sections, consider joining a small group! Forms are on the table in the Gathering Space, along with the books for the study.

A New Member Discovery Class will be held next Sunday, April 3rd at 12:30 p.m. Join us for lunch, an overview of God's plan of Salvation, and learn about ministry opportunities at Immanuel. Child care is available. Please sign up on your worship card.

Men's Breakfast and Bible Study

Men's Breakfast and Bible Study meets Saturday, April 16th at 7:30 a.m. Join with other men of faith for deep conversation about the issues in our time. We study the Biblical teaching, and how to apply it to our lives. Please bring your favorite breakfast food to share.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Sunday Morning Bible Study meets in the Conference Room, in the administrative area to the right of Sanctuary, at 9:45 a.m. This group is studying the book of Daniel. All are welcome! Contact Trish Fry-Misener at 262-949-2480.

CHILDREN'S NEWS

Sunday School Singers

Our Sunday School children are singing at all three services on Sunday, April 17.The best of days are when we get to hear our children praising God in worship.Please have your child at church by 8:45 that morning, if at all possible.The kids will have a quick final rehearsal, and will sing at the end of the first service; and at the beginning of the second and third services.

Sunday Morning Nursery Staff

A nurseryis provided during worship for children 4 and under to the left of the Sanctuary.Children over 5 years are encouraged to join their families during worship. Little treats are available on the coffee bar counter. Grab a "busy bag" for your pre-schooler at the entrance to the worship space, and return it to the stand when the service is finished.

Sunday School

Sunday School is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Bring your children to our classrooms. Preschool (3 and 4 year olds that are potty trained), kindergarten and first grade classes are to the right of the sanctuary. Second through fifth grade classrooms are to the left of the sanctuary, just off the fellowship hall. We welcome donations of juice or snacks!

Vacation Bible Camp Meeting

Hello Everyone! There will be a VBC planning meeting scheduled for April 4th at 6 p.m. This is an open meeting that anyone interested is welcome to attend.

Early Release Day

The next Early Release Day is Thursday, April 14th, at 1:45 - 3:45 PM. If you are looking for a fun, engaging, and safe environment for your child during that time, look no further! We are also looking for volunteers to help with this great ministry. Please see Sarah or Holly for details.

Just For Kids

Our JFK After School Ministry for elementary school kids is each school day from 6:00-8:15 a.m., and 4:00- 6:00 p.m. Contact Holly at 262-949-6227 for more information.

Little Sprouts Day Care News

Little Sprouts Learning Center is open from 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., for children 6 weeks through 4 K.The center is full. Lunch is provided before or after school for 4-K students, as well as transportation to and from school.Call Sue Gifford to enroll at 262-812-7346.

Little Sprouts Director, Sue Gifford

Sue Gifford, our incredibly gifted director of Immanuel's Little Sprouts Day Care has resigned her position. She has decided that she prefers to be the provider of child care rather than the director for a child care ministry. She will launch her own child care center at home this fall for infant care. The need is huge and we know she will be a gift to the families she serves. Sue will be with us until mid-July. We thank God for her amazing, visionary leadership that has made Little Sprouts such a thriving ministry with children.

Applicants for Director of Little Sprouts

We are accepting applicants for the director's position of Immanuel's Little Sprouts Day Care. Applicants need to meet state requirements for a day care director. For more information, call Pastor Mark.

3:16 Middle School Group is Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are invited to join the outrageous fun and great learnings! Bring your friends. Between 40-50 kids attend each week!

Sunday, April 10th, from 5-9 p.m., our Middle School Youth Group will be at Covenant Harbor. Ask Zach Ortiz for details.

VIBE

VIBE for Middle Schoolers continues Monday through Thursdays from 3:00-6:00 p.m. VIBE is for Middle School students who need a safe place to gather, and is a free ministry.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP

High School Youth Group:Meets Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. at church. Check with Sean and Sharon at 262-745-9341 for details.

Spaghetti Dinner & Dessert Auction

The Spaghetti Dinner & Dessert Auction is April 17, 2016 at 4p.m. Our two mission trip team's will be hosting our annual Spaghetti Dinner & Dessert Auction. Tickets ($5 each) can be bought ahead of time from one of our mission trip participants or bought at the door. The auction, which starts after the dinner, will be filled with delicious desserts, hotel room stays, kayak rentals, quilts, and much more! We will also be having a 50/50 raffle. Come join in on the fun! If you are unable to make it please stop by our drive-thru and get dinner for the whole family from 4 - 5:20 p.m.

High School Mission Trip

2016 Mission Trip: Our 2016 High School Mission Trip will be in New Orleans, July 9th - 16th, 2016. Our team will be rebuilding homes and working on new low-income housing.

MISSION

Community Connections Meal: April 21st 5:15-6:30 PM

Thursday, April 21st at 5:15 pm Immanuel will host the next Community Meal. All of our monthly community meals are free to those in our community who might be hungry, lonely or need fellowship. This ministry has been blessed by the generosity of the Immanuel family.

How can you help? Bakers, April's dessert will be cupcakes!! Donations of cupcakes any flavor will be greatly appreciated. Volunteers are needed for prep work and help during the dinner.

If can donate cupcakes or want to get on the volunteer schedule call Jill Rosenthal at 262-949-2569.

Side By Side Fish Dinner Fundraiser

A Side By Side Fish Dinner Fundraiser is Friday, April 29th at Simple Café in Lake Geneva at 5, 6, & 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under. Tickets are available from Judy Guy at Immanuel on Sundays between services, on April 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th. All proceeds go to Side By Side.

Side By Side Screening

Side By Side screening is the 3rd Tuesday of each month, April 19th, at 7:00p.m.at the First Congregational UCC Church, 715 Wisconsin Street, Lake Geneva. Funds are available for rental assistance and utilities - for those living in the Lake Geneva School District. Bring a copy of the bill. Side By Side is a collaborative ministry between area churches and civic groups.

St. Vincent De Paul (Milwaukee) Soup Kitchen

During the winter the items especially needed at the Milwaukee Soup Kitchen are men's pants, jackets, socks, underwear. Toiletries, the small sizes, are also needed. Many thanks to all who have contributed to this great need! Most sincerely, Bob Rosenthal.

Join our Sunday Morning Coffee - Fellowship Hour Team(s)

Many of you have enjoyed our fellowship hour between the first and second services. Lutherans are renowned for socializing - by providing coffee, wonderful treats, and time to get to know new members and reconnect with others.

We especially need teams to organize and contribute to this valuable ministry on the alternating third Sunday of the month starting in 2016 (May/July/Sept/Nov) and on the 5th Sundays (May/July/Oct).

Please prayerfully consider coming on board. The most effective team consists of 4 members minimum. Please also be aware that we have monies set aside to reimburse the costs of coffee, juice and treats. Team members are not expected to bake treats! They can be purchased instead, and all costs are reimbursed. Contact Evie Schulz to let her know of your interest in assisting on one of these two teams.

Blood Pressure Checks

Blood pressure checks after the 1st service on the 3nd Sunday of each month in Pastor Mary Ann's office.

Health Newsletter

"And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied."

The Association for the Prevention of Family Violence team up with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Jefferson County's People Against Domestic and Sexual Assault (PADA) to participate in the First Annual Dance-A-Thon at the University Center at UW-Whitewaterduring Sexual Assault Awareness Month. On April 23rd, from 4:00pm until 10:00pm,registered teams will dance the night away, to raise awareness of sexual assault, and raise money to provide services for survivors of sexual assault.

There will be three grand prize winners who will receive a team dinner at The Black Sheep in Whitewater or Lake Lawn Lodge in Delavan! To register, call the Association for the Prevention of Family Violence at 262-723-4653.

Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed

We are looking for substitutes to help with Meals on Wheels every 5 weeks. We will train you and work with your schedule. Call Pauline Malsch at 262-215-3121.

Covenant Harbor is gearing up for spring/summer and needs local high school kids who love the Lord, like to serve, and want to get paid.

Jobs we have of most interest to local kids are kitchen and maintenance work as they don't have to live onsite for those positions. We hire from ages 14 and up. Age 16+ is the ideal. It is a great entry level job. Anyone interested can contact Eric Anderson, Associate Director at Covenant Harbor, 262.248.3600 or go to

Lutherdale created a program called G.L.O.V.E.S. - God Loving Organization of Volunteers Enthusiastically Serving. This program brings Lutherdale supporters together to work jointly on camp projects. It also brings families, men's & women's groups, and youth groups together for service projects and retreats. GLOVES Days are 3rd Saturdays of the month, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to participate. Contact Robert Couden at 262-949-2285 or robert@lutherdale.org with any questions.

Free Lunch Community Meal

A Free Community Meal will be offered the 1st Wednesday of each month at 12 noon at the First Congregational UCC, 624 Park Street, Genoa City. April 6th. Contact: 262-279-5547 or www.gcucc.com .

FELLOWSHIP AND MEETINGS

Singles Group

A Singles Group was launched several weeks ago, with 12 participants at the first event! Their first planned activity is Sunday, April 17. There will be a "Blessing of the Seeds" at member farmer Loren Johnson's farm in Elkhorn, followed by a potluck meal at his home. Meet the group at church at 10:00 AM, to caravan to Loren's farm in Elkhorn. (next to the Apple Barn)

A Bowling Party is also being planned - and we will publicize the date as soon as it is decided. For more information, call coordinator Sue Gifford at 262 812-7346.

New Immanuel Lawn Signs

The new Immanuel lawn signs are finally here! Pick-up your Immanuel lawn signs at church for placement in your yard.

Officer Elections for Church Council

The officer elections for church council results are in:

President: Scot Hodkiewicz

Vice President: Johnalee Kawalec

Treasurer: Matt Dahlgren

Secretary: Jody Teske

Thanks to our very gifted leaders for serving in these leadership positions!

All Hands On Deck Update

Our 3 year appeal to reduce our mortgage is making great progress. As of March 30, the remaining balance is $1,654,274.50. We have monthly payments of $14,439.00, of which $5,475.39 is interest. The sooner we pay off the loan, the more we will save in interest payments that can then be used for ministry. Thanks to all who have been so generous in your support of this appeal. If you have not yet made a commitment and would like to participate, contact the church office for a pledge card. You can also use electronic giving by going to our website and clicking the GIVING icon.

Electronic Giving

Throughout the year, if you can't make it to church we encourage you to automate your regular donations. Immanuel relies on the consistent financial support of the congregation and electronic giving offers an easy way to give on a recurring basis. Visit www.Immanuellakegeneva.org or contact the church office for more information. We have authorization forms in the church office. We thank you for your continued support!

Weekly Giving Envelopes

We are always thankful for your gifts of offering. Thank you for using your giving envelopes! The giving envelopes add efficiency to the counting process on Sundays by eliminating the need to look up names and envelope numbers. Thank you for your generosity. If you would like to give on-line, please see the Electronic Giving article above.

Thanks

+ Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and/or gave donations to the Easter Egg hunt this year. Our event would not have been possible without your time or donations! Sarah Beauregard

+ Thank you to all of our Sunday School students for blessing us with their beautiful singing on Palm Sunday. A special thank you to Kelly Gerlitz and Adam Smith for leading our children in song; and to Ellen Hanson and the Bells for their collaboration on our song!

+ Dear Ladies, I would like to thank you for the delicious cookies. My family & I enjoyed them. The poinsettia plant is coming along great! The Christmas carolers that came to my home were great! We sand along with them. The tree ornaments was very nice. I put it on the tree right away. God Bless them all. Marie Hinzpeter & the family

+ My old lesions of the brain are not gone, but inactive so I guess that's as good as it gets. I want to thank everyone for all the prayers, love & cards sent my way. Patricia Bogart

+ Many thanks to all of the leadership team of the Women's Retreat! It was superb, enriching every participant!

+ Thank you, thank you to all my friends at Immanuel for all their love they shared with me during Joyce's illness. Thanks for all the calls, meals, money donation, cards, all the food and work at the funeral, and love during this time. Thank you for God's love who inspires us all. The family of Joyce Sutton

+ Thanks everyone for the birthday cards and lovely quilt for my birthday. Thank you all for your continued prayers for healing. Jean Madaus

+ A big thank you to Ron Williams for fixing and cleaning up our church lawn mower so it is ready for the summer season. Also, a huge thank you to Ron for cleaning up the flower gardens around the church before Easter. The church grounds looked amazing!